Edits summer style secrets

Summer's here, which means it's time to start planning for that perfect Summer wardrobe. It's not about blink-and-you'll-miss-them-trends, but investing in cool, stylish pieces you will want to wear again and again. Clothes that fit effortlessly into your life and outfits that make you feel good whenever you put them on.

Chanel cruise show in Cuba May 2016

Here are my Summer Style Secrets...

1. Layering is my secret to always feeling put together. Wearing lightweight stylish jackets over shirts or tee's makes me feel like I am ready for any eventuality.
2. I like my clothes to be versatile. Shirts are still my style hero as they can be worn in so many different ways; with shorts, skirts, jeans and over dresses, tuck it in, roll it up, button it up or keep it open, the style list is endless!
3. Trends are just suggestions of what to wear, so know your style. If you love minimalist laid-back pieces over boho then perhaps a simple white dress is your forever summer throw-on with a few pieces of bold jewellery.
4. Mix old favourites with new finds. I have a 'Summer box' of items I have collected over the years and I will wear them with my new season pieces.
5. Style your shape. Know your body shape and shop for pieces that will showcase your body rather than wearing 'figure fixers' such as baggy linen trousers or long jersey t-shirts.

If you have lost your style and need some help getting back on track and then contact me now for a personal styling consultation. My job is to take the pain and frustration away of not knowing what to wear. I will work with you to create the perfect style that suits your personality, lifestyle and budget AND is easy to maintain.

the bold print that is everywhere this summer

With colourful patterns such a hot trend right now, it was only a matter of time before we embraced the foliage print along with other more conventional styles. Give your geometrics and stripes a miss for a while – this season it’s all about palm, cactus and leaf designs from top to bottom. Whether you opt for a subtle piece of swimwear or a bold jumpsuit, this is the colourful style that everyone can wear.

French Connection, Whistles, Zara and Topshop are all purveyors of the trend, with pretty camis, work-appropriate blouses and structured trousers part of their repertoire. Check out my favourite pieces below – whether you sport them now or save them for somewhere more exotic, you’ll appreciate a little bit of nature being brought back to your daily grind.

1. Topshop Palm print jumpsuit - £39.99

2. Zara printed bomber jacket - £39.99

3. Whistles leaf embroidered sweater - £75.00

4. French Connection Lala palm drape wide leg trousers - £85.00

5. Zara palm tree print sneaker - £29.99

For more inspiration follow my pinterest board - Summer 16 bold prints

how to style the maxi dress

EDITS STYLING NOTES

From Winter's midi dress trend comes summer's maxi dress obsession. This season it's all about the long and the floral. As our weather in the UK is ever changeable, is it worth buying a maxi dress to wear for just a handful of days per year? If you are looking to purchase one as an investment piece I have pulled together some looks of how to wear the Maxi dress throughout the next coming months. Maxi dress from Zara £39.99.

FOR MAY/JUNE - Add a lightweight jacket such as a denim one, or leather jacket for evening. Flat shoes such as ballerina's or brogues are essential for this time of year. A cross the body bag in a bright colour adds style to your outfit.

FOR JULY/AUGUST - A fedora and sunglasses is all that is needed in the hot summer holidays to show off the cold shoulder detailing of the maxi dress. Wearing sandles in a bright colour from the print will add style to your look.

FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER - Once the sun has gone away and all that is left is the clouds and the cold, it's time to layer the maxi dress up. By wearing tights and boots you are adding longevity to your purchase as you will be able to wear it all through the year. Layering over the top a cardigan, loose jersey jacket or shirt under a coat means it no longer looks like a summer dress but something that you can wear casually on a daily basis.

shake those pompoms!

Head pompom!

Within a season a micro trend often comes along that's fun, frivolous and plays on our inner child. So while I'm feeling optimistic about the warmer weather, let's jump board the sweetie train and embrace the colourful pompom into our stylish lives.

The best way to wear this trend is through accessories as they will change up any outfit and are relatively in expensive. Some high end designers have added pompoms to their shoes, bags and jewellery and where they lead, the high-street follows.

Dolce and Gabbana Pompom shoes

So whilst these Dolce and Gabbana pompom shoes aren't exactly practical, these ones from Glamorous at ASOS certainly are!

Glamorous pompom sandles, £29.00, asos

I am currently obsessed with finding the right clutch bag with pompoms on it to take on holiday with me. But with so much choice it's hard to make my mind up.

Textured envelope bag, £29.99, Mango

Star Mela floral clutch, £60, asos

A fab statement necklace is he bets way to show case this trend. This one is from Zara for £17.99, it will see you through the Summer and can be worn in the daytime or dresses up for the evening - everyone's a winner!

Pompom necklace, £17.99, Zara

You can even have the mutli-coloured ball's in your home -

Boho Pom Pom mirror, £16, notonthehighstreet.com

Or if you are crafty, there is nothing stopping you from making your own trend inspired pompom adornments.

Pompomania, £3.99, amazon

No one can be in a bad mood in the presence of a pompom which is why I am encouraging you to go forth and purchase something now! Share with me what you have brought in the comments below or on social media.